Result: Draw (notional win !)
This is a match played in a great spirit and camaraderie. The Societies have played each other in the autumn at Ashdown for many years (well, since at least 1989 from my records) and we have got to know each other well over that time.
We had a fine day with Ashdown’s autumn colours just starting to show and no wind, quite immaculate conditions for golf. We were only 8 a side, and sadly 2 of the OP's failed to show at all. Both pleaded a diary malfunction!
This meant that the Match Manager, Alex Cuppage played OA St.John Cox at the back of the field, agreeing that we would decide which school we were playing for when we knew how the others were getting on! The matches in front broke even at 3 a- piece, leaving the final match to be the decider. St.John had never played Ashdown before and played immaculately, defeating the MM on the 16th, being at that point only 2 over. It was very impressive performance !
A very good lunch with a little wine as an accompaniment meant that we never decided which school we were respectively playing for so the matter was left to rest there. Charles Miller, Captain of the OP’s, graciously conceded that they had forfeited the match for failing to produce a full side.
Both Match Managers have had trouble in increasing the numbers for this match, for which at one time we managed 12 a side comfortably. If any existing or new members fancy a walk across the Ashdown Forest in the early autumn, a beautiful and unusual course (no bunkers,) with good company and hospitality do let me know.
Those OA’s who played were:
Alex Cuppage ; St.John Cox ; Tom Spencer ; Crispian Collins ; Philip Quigley ; Mike Tibbatts; Nick North; Nick Price.